Some of the best movies and TV shows of all time have been adapted from novels, memoirs, or short stories.

The first question to really ask yourself is - which medium do I prefer watching? Do I stay informed on new movie releases, and have I historically watched and got invigorated by them? Or - do I watch a lot of TV and has the format, rhythm, and construction of multiple storylines become subconsciously ingrained in my creative database?

We are meant to give thanks for what life has given us. In these times - full of suffering and uncertainty - how do we even begin to articulate what we are thankful for?

“Sales and marketing is a term used to describe the activities and operations that lead to the promoting, selling, and distribution of goods or services.”

When you’re approached by someone who is clearly in sales mode – who is peddling their wares, also called “prospecting” - whether it’s a car or a commercial or well-written book or script - it’s bound to cause a flinch reaction (or a delete of the email). It’s because the agenda is obvious, and tends to feel cloying and desperate. Whether that’s true or not.

One of the trickiest things about writing a book or screenplay is finding the balance between imbuing it with your voice and style, while also moving the narrative forward.

In several of my coaching sessions, the pervasive question has been, when you’re pitching your story to a producer, agent, or reader, be it a movie, book, or tv show, how much should you share regarding the ending?

While there is no one answer, and it varies per medium, the most prominent confusion is over how do you hook your audience without giving too much away?  How do you position it so that you’re not giving away your big twist payoff?

Creating a HIGH CONCEPT idea for your movie or book is key to a successful sale and pitch. But what is it exactly, and how do you incorporate it into your story? Here are some practical tips from experience, and what I focus on as a coach.

Do you feel pressure to create and write during this time of “solitude”, but are totally blocked? Here are some possible reasons why…

How my weird attachment to E.T. helped me hone my voice as a writer, and the long, circuitous journey from idea to screen. Listen to yourself and commit to your experience.

“I never thought that blueberries and bears could turn into a story.”

The common refrain of a frustrated writer goes like this: “Gosh, I wish I could write.” / “I have a script but can’t get back to it.” / “I used to write, sorta, but I gave it up.” / “I need a creative outlet, but my day job, paying the bills, has taken over.”

And the crux of it: “How do I find the time?”

These frustrations and exclamations are warranted, because it’s damn hard.